Expedia Group
Facts
- HQ
- Seattle
- Sectors
- Travel, Online travel booking, Consumer travel
- Stage
- Public
Expedia and Zillow Co-Founder Rich Barton Relocates to Las Vegas Amid Washington State Wealth Tax Concerns
Rich Barton, the co-founder of Expedia and Zillow, has moved from Washington to Las Vegas, joining other tech magnates like Jeff Bezos who left due to Washington state's new wealth taxes. His departure is seen as a significant loss to the Seattle tech startup ecosystem amid growing debates over taxes on wealthy residents.
GeekWire Week in Review (April 5, 2026): Microsoft and Amazon moves, Washington non‑compete ban, Anduril warships, Bryson DeChambeau backs Sportsbox AI
A roundup of GeekWire’s most-read technology and startup stories for the week of April 5, 2026, covering major moves at Microsoft and Amazon, Washington state’s new non‑compete ban, Anduril’s autonomous warship work, NASA Artemis images, and notable local business and investment news.
Microsoft AI Leader Eric Boyd Joins Anthropic; Tagboard CEO Nathan Peterson Steps Down with Marty Roberts Taking Over
Eric Boyd, a longtime Microsoft AI leader, has joined Anthropic to lead its infrastructure team after nearly 17 years at Microsoft. Meanwhile, Nathan Peterson is stepping down as CEO of Tagboard, with Marty Roberts, the former COO, set to succeed him.
2026 GeekWire CEO of the Year Finalists Announced Across Fintech, Climate, Real Estate, and AI
The 2026 GeekWire Awards CEO of the Year finalists include Tony Huang of Possible Finance and others leading innovations in fintech, climate tech, real estate, and AI. The awards event takes place on May 7, with voting open through April 16.
Tech Veteran Joe Nguyen Named Seattle Metropolitan Chamber CEO to Drive Regional Economic Growth and Address Business-Political Divides
Joe Nguyen, former Washington State director of commerce and tech veteran, has become president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to focus on driving the economic engine of the Puget Sound region. He aims to bridge divides between business and politics and secure economic opportunities for future generations amid evolving challenges like AI.
Ex-Amazon and Expedia Executives Launch VQ Capital, AI and Cyber Intelligence Investment Firm Backed by Family Offices
Former Amazon and Expedia leaders Brian Lent and John Kim, along with partners Yotam Avrahami and Praveen Hirsave, have launched VQ Capital, an AI-native investment firm focused on AI and cyber intelligence. Headquartered in New York with plans for a Seattle hub, VQ Capital partners with family offices to invest on a deal-by-deal basis in transformative AI and cybersecurity technologies.
Otto Launches AI Travel Assistant Led by Ex-Expedia Exec to Personalize Business Travel End-to-End
Seattle-based startup Otto, founded by former Expedia executive Michael Gulmann, has launched Otto the Agent, an AI-powered business travel assistant designed to personalize bookings and manage travel end-to-end. The platform learns individual travel preferences and integrates with calendars to proactively suggest itineraries, aiming to replicate the service level of a top executive assistant.
Benjamin Dorr Named CEO of WellSaid Labs; Jennifer Weitzel Joins Microsoft as CVP; Jason Ing Becomes Typeface’s First CMO; Tina Walha Heads U.S. Digital Response
Benjamin Dorr became CEO of AI voice startup WellSaid Labs, replacing Brian Cook, while Jennifer Weitzel joined Microsoft as CVP of engineering and construction, Jason Ing became Typeface's first CMO, and Tina Walha was named CEO of U.S. Digital Response.
GeekWire Week in Review: Bill Gates Pledges $200B, Statsig Hits $1.1B Valuation, Seattle Startups Raise Millions in May 2025
This GeekWire Week in Review highlights top tech stories including Bill Gates' $200 billion philanthropy pledge, Seattle startups raising significant capital, and the emergence of new AI-driven unicorn Statsig valued at $1.1 billion. It also covers local news like a controversial Washington EV tax and cultural moments involving Seattle figures.
UW Genetics Professor Mary-Claire King Awarded NAS Public Welfare Medal; T-Mobile Board and Seattle Startup Violett Announce Leadership Changes
Mary-Claire King, a University of Washington genetics professor, received the National Academy of Sciences' Public Welfare Medal for her impactful genome science work including discovering the BRCA1 gene. T-Mobile announced board changes with the return of Thomas Dannenfeldt and resignations of Kelvin Westbrook and Srinivasan Gopalan, while Seattle startup Violett appointed Michael Kurtzman as CEO.
Expedia Appoints Scott Schenkel as CFO Amid C-Suite Changes; Ex-Microsoft AI VP Luis Vargas Launches AI Startup
Expedia Group appointed Scott Schenkel as its new CFO, succeeding Julie Whalen, amid broader executive changes including CEO Ariane Gorin's leadership. Meanwhile, former Microsoft AI VP Luis Vargas left to start a new AI startup as chief technologist.
WTIA Marks 40 Years of Supporting Washington Tech Growth as CEO Michael Schutzler Retires
The Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking its role in supporting Washington state's tech growth from the early days of Microsoft to today's tech giants. WTIA CEO Michael Schutzler is retiring after 11 years, with the association continuing to influence the state's tech-driven economy that now accounts for 21% of GDP and millions of jobs.
Symbl Names Former GE Healthcare CTO Selvan Senthivel as CTO; Nautilus Biotechnology Hires Ken Suzuki as CMO
Symbl, a Seattle-based generative AI startup, appointed Selvan Senthivel, former GE HealthCare CTO, as its new CTO, while Nautilus Biotechnology named Ken Suzuki as its CMO. Additionally, William Canestaro stepped down from the Washington Research Foundation, and Milkana Brace joined the Technology Alliance board.
Otto Startup, Led by Expedia Veteran and Madrona Chairman, Raises $6M to Develop AI Assistant for Business Travel Booking
Seattle-based startup Otto, led by Expedia veteran Michael Gulmann and chaired by Steve Singh of Madrona Ventures, is developing an AI virtual assistant using GPT-4 to simplify business travel booking. The company raised $6 million in a seed round led by Madrona and aims to offer its product for free while earning revenue through booking facilitation.
GeekWire Week in Review (May 12, 2024): AWS and Google executive moves, Expedia leadership exits, Kyndryl acquires Skytap
A weekly roundup of GeekWire’s most-read technology and startup stories for the week of May 12, 2024, covering major tech moves, executive departures, acquisitions, and new accelerator initiatives in the Seattle area and beyond.
Sonoma Biotherapeutics Launches 83,000-Sq-Ft Seattle Waterfront R&D Center for Autoimmune Disease Research
Sonoma Biotherapeutics opened a new 83,000-square-foot R&D center on Seattle's waterfront to consolidate its staff and advance early-stage autoimmune disease research using regulatory T cells. The facility accommodates 65 scientists and is equipped with flexible lab spaces and advanced scientific equipment.
Seattle Tech Leaders Advise on Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence at HBS Seattle Event
Seattle tech leaders, including Remitly CEO Matt Oppenheimer and Expedia CTO Rathi Murthy, shared advice on normalizing imposter syndrome, building self-confidence, and the value of mentorship during a Harvard Business School Club of Seattle discussion. They emphasized vulnerability, flexibility, and self-improvement as keys to effective leadership and workplace success.
Kirkland Startup Steller Raises $5M to Launch AI-Enhanced 'Trips' Feature Combining Human and Machine Travel Insights
Steller, a Kirkland-based travel tech startup, raised $5 million to launch its 'Trips' feature, combining human travel insights with AI to enhance trip planning. Founded in 2014 and acquired in 2018 by its current team, the app leverages social media-style short videos and curated content to inspire and assist travelers.
Seattle Trucking Startup Convoy Shutters After 8 Years Amid Freight Recession, Lenders Pull Funding
Convoy, a Seattle-based digital trucking marketplace co-founded by CEO Dan Lewis, abruptly shut down after eight years due to a freight recession and lack of funding, leading to layoffs without severance. Executives expressed shock and grief during a company-wide video call, explaining that they exhausted all options to save the company but lenders withdrew the final funds.
Seattle Trucking Marketplace Convoy Pauses Shipments and Considers Sale Amid Market Recession
Seattle-based trucking startup Convoy has paused shipments and is reportedly winding down operations amid a freight market recession and financial struggles, with layoffs and potential sale talks ongoing. The company, valued at $3.8 billion last year, faces stiff competition and market headwinds, and plans to share more details on its transition later this week.
GeekWire Week in Review (May 14, 2023): Top stories include ex-CFO indicted over $35M crypto transfer, Bezos’ $500M yacht, and Amazon legal/personnel news
GeekWire's Week in Review for May 14, 2023 lists the site's most-read stories, including a Seattle startup ex-CFO indicted over an alleged $35M crypto transfer, Jeff Bezos' $500M yacht, and Amazon-related legal and personnel news.
Seattle’s Felix&Fido Raises $4M Pre-Seed Led by PSL Ventures and Rover to Launch Subscription Veterinary Care
Seattle startup Felix&Fido announced a $4 million pre-seed funding round led by PSL Ventures and Rover to launch subscription-based veterinary care combining telemedicine, in-clinic, and at-home services. Founded by former Army captain and Expedia executive Gavin Woody, the company aims to tackle the veterinary shortage with an innovative membership model.
Onder Startup Led by Ex-Expedia Director David Krieger Offers Biannual Home Maintenance Checkups
Onder, a Seattle startup led by former Expedia director David Krieger, offers homeowners twice-yearly home maintenance inspections and a digital platform to identify and manage upkeep tasks. The 8-person company provides routine checkups akin to vehicle oil changes, aiming to prevent and address maintenance issues before they escalate.
Seattle Trucking Startup Convoy Lays Off Staff for Third Time and Closes Atlanta Office Amid Automation Shift
Seattle trucking startup Convoy conducted its third round of layoffs within a year and announced the closure of its Atlanta office as part of a shift to automate customer service and improve efficiency. Despite previously raising $260 million at a $3.8 billion valuation and employing over 1,000 people, the company is reducing staff to speed its path to profitability amid broader industry challenges.
Seattle Trucking Startup Convoy Conducts New Layoffs Amid Economic Pressures Following $260M Funding
Seattle-based trucking startup Convoy has conducted another round of layoffs amid economic uncertainty and supply chain challenges, following a 7% workforce reduction earlier this year after raising $260 million at a $3.8 billion valuation.
